Medical Receptionist Certificate: Program Summary

Completing a medical receptionist certificate program could help individuals learn the proper techniques for this profession. Students learn about administrative duties as they relate to working in a hospital, clinic, or physician's office.

Essential Information

Although post-secondary education is not strictly necessary for aspiring receptionists, a certificate program trains students to schedule appointments, greet patients, and verify insurance information. They learn to provide customer service to patients and visitors, while also interacting with doctors and other clinical and hospital staff.

Program Levels in Medical Reception: Medical Receptionist Certificate; Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in medical field (for other, more advanced positions)

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED; CPR and first aid certifications (varies)

Medical Receptionist Certificate

The certificate program in medical reception instructs candidates on medical office software programs and applications, workplace human relations, and medical laws and ethics. Externships or internships provide students with real-time experiences working in medical settings. Graduates of a medical receptionist certificate program are prepared for immediate entry-level employment in the healthcare industry. Topics of study may include:

Medical office procedures

Records management and data entry

Medical transcription

Hospital administrative policies

Medical laws and ethics

Medical terminology

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), receptionists and information clerks were expected to see an employment increase of 14% between 2012 and 2022 (www.bls.gov). The wide range of tasks performed by receptionists is expected to keep these professionals in demand.

The bureau stated that physicians' offices employed 8.10% of the receptionist industry in May 2014. The BLS also reported that receptionists and information clerks earned a median annual wage of $26,760 as of May 2014.

Continuing Education Information

Medical receptionists typically earn advancements after they've obtained work experience. They may also pursue associate's or bachelor's degree programs in the medical field to be promoted to administrative positions or other positions within the medical field.